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Rare-Earth-doped Laser Materials: Spectroscopy and Laser Properties

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 July 2012

Larry D. Merkle*
Affiliation:
US Army Research Laboratory, Attn RDRL-SEE-M, 2800 Powder Mill Rd, Adelphi, MD 20783, U.S.A.
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Abstract

Trivalent rare earth ions in crystalline or fiber hosts are among the most successful of laser materials, but new dopant-host combinations and more detailed understanding of existing materials continue to be needed. This paper presents a few examples from the work of our team at the Army Research Laboratory, highlighting the interrelation between spectroscopic properties and laser behavior. It focuses on bulk solids, though rare-earth-doped fiber lasers are also extremely important. One system discussed is Nd:YAG, particularly concentration quenching in heavily doped ceramic YAG. Spectroscopic properties of Yb:Y2O3 and Yb:Sc2O3 help to elucidate their laser performance. Spectra indicate that Er:YAG is more promising than Er:Sc2O3 for room temperature laser operation, but that the reverse is true for operation at and somewhat above liquid nitrogen temperature.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012

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References

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